What's Happening?
Gary Lineker's podcast 'The Rest Is Football' has secured a groundbreaking deal with La Liga, becoming the first podcast to obtain clip rights from a major European soccer league. The podcast, produced by Goalhanger Films, will feature video content and expert analysis on YouTube and Spotify in the UK and Ireland. Concurrently, Disney+ has acquired the rights to stream La Liga matches in the UK and Ireland for the next three years, starting August 16. This move marks Disney+'s expansion into sports content, aiming to attract new subscribers.
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Why It's Important?
The deals highlight the growing convergence of sports and digital media, with podcasts and streaming services increasingly becoming key platforms for sports content. For Disney+, acquiring La Liga rights is a strategic move to enhance its content offerings and compete in the crowded streaming market. The podcast deal reflects the evolving nature of sports media, where traditional broadcasting is complemented by digital platforms offering more interactive and engaging content. These developments could influence how sports rights are negotiated and consumed in the future.
What's Next?
The success of these deals will likely be monitored closely by other sports leagues and media companies. If successful, it could lead to more partnerships between sports organizations and digital media platforms. For Disney+, the performance of La Liga content could determine future investments in sports rights. The podcast's reception will also be a test case for the viability of video-first sports podcasts.
